DB Super: Could Dr. Wheelo Return? Exploring the Potential of a Classic Villain’s Revival
Introduction
Dragon Ball Super has a captivating way of breathing new life into familiar elements from the Dragon Ball universe. We’ve seen classic characters return, transformations revisited, and even entire storylines echo past events with new twists. But what if one of Dragon Ball’s most overlooked villains, Dr. Wheelo, were to receive a modern upgrade and re-enter the fray? While many remember Frieza’s terrifying reign or Cell’s pursuit of perfection, Dr. Wheelo’s appearance in “The World’s Strongest” might seem like a distant memory. He was the brilliant, yet mad, scientist whose brain was transplanted into a powerful robotic body, driven by an insatiable desire to possess the strongest body in existence.
This article posits that, despite his relatively limited role in Dragon Ball history, Dr. Wheelo’s unique abilities and his inherent connection to themes of scientific advancement, a recurring motif in the franchise, make him a compelling candidate for a potential revival in Dragon Ball Super. Any reappearance, of course, would require significant modifications and clever integration into the established Dragon Ball Super storyline, but the core potential remains. Could we see a DB Super Dr. Wheelo? Let’s dive in and explore the possibilities.
Why Dr. Wheelo Was Underutilized in Dragon Ball Z
Dr. Wheelo’s appearance in “The World’s Strongest” leaves much to be desired. It suffers from several shortcomings that likely contributed to his lack of lasting impact on the Dragon Ball mythos. First and foremost, the movie isn’t considered canon to the main Dragon Ball timeline. This inherently limits his potential for future appearances or mentions within the series. Secondly, the movie’s storyline and character development are relatively shallow compared to the main Dragon Ball Z arcs. Wheelo himself is portrayed as a fairly straightforward villain, lacking the nuanced motivations and complex character arc of antagonists like Frieza or Vegeta. He just wanted a strong body.
However, amidst these limitations, Dr. Wheelo possesses untapped potential that could be explored more effectively in the context of Dragon Ball Super. His scientific genius and his relentless pursuit of ultimate power through technology are fascinating aspects of his character that were never fully developed. The concept of a brilliant scientist whose brain is housed within a robotic body opens up a range of possibilities for unique abilities, enhancements, and even philosophical debates about the nature of humanity and technology. Moreover, his ability to manipulate and control others through his scientific creations suggests a strategic cunning that could be a formidable challenge for the Z Fighters. He was a great villain with an interesting storyline, but lacked some things.
How Dr. Wheelo Could Fit into Dragon Ball Super
The key to a successful DB Super Dr. Wheelo lies in creatively weaving him into the current narrative fabric of the series. One possibility would be to establish a connection between Wheelo and existing characters or organizations within the Dragon Ball universe.
Connections to Existing Characters
The most obvious connection would be with Dr. Gero, the creator of the Androids. It could be revealed that Wheelo was a collaborator, rival, or even mentor to Dr. Gero, providing valuable insights into the Red Ribbon Army’s scientific endeavors. This would not only flesh out Wheelo’s backstory but also provide a deeper context for the creation of the Androids and the motivations behind their relentless pursuit of Goku. Perhaps they exchanged scientific papers or ideas.
Multiverse Angle
Another option would be to introduce a link between Wheelo and a new threat originating from another universe. Perhaps he was an agent or a pawn of a powerful being from one of the universes, tasked with gathering information or destabilizing Earth. This would tie him into the larger multiverse narrative of Dragon Ball Super and provide a clear reason for his return.
The multiverse angle itself could introduce a version of Dr. Wheelo from an alternate timeline. This variant could possess different powers, motivations, or even a drastically altered design, presenting a unique and unexpected challenge to the Z Fighters. This version could have been more successful in his quest for the ultimate body.
Power Scaling Considerations
Regardless of how he’s integrated into the storyline, addressing power scaling is crucial. A DB Super Dr. Wheelo would need a significant power boost to pose a credible threat to characters who can now obliterate planets with a flick of their wrist. The key lies in leveraging his technological expertise and scientific genius.
One way to achieve this is to explore the integration of God Ki into his technology. Perhaps he could develop a device that allows him to absorb and utilize God Ki, granting him access to a level of power previously unattainable. This would not only make him a formidable opponent but also raise interesting questions about the relationship between science and divine energy.
Furthermore, Dr. Wheelo could develop advanced weaponry, energy absorption techniques, or even the ability to manipulate space-time through technology. Drawing parallels to Cell, he could perhaps gain the ability to absorb the energy or even the essence of other beings to increase his power, constantly evolving and becoming more powerful with each encounter.
Potential Story Arcs
Potential story arcs featuring a revived Dr. Wheelo are numerous. We could see a technological arms race erupt between Wheelo and other scientific entities, leading to a conflict for control of the most advanced technology in the universe. Or we could explore a philosophical debate about the limits of scientific advancement, pitting Wheelo’s desire for absolute power against the Z Fighters’ commitment to preserving life and balance. Perhaps Wheelo has changed his mind about world domination and wants to create a perfect machine world.
What a DB Super Dr. Wheelo Could Look Like
Design Updates
Visual updates are essential to bring Dr. Wheelo into the modern era of Dragon Ball Super. His design could be modernized with sleek, futuristic aesthetics, incorporating elements from other DBS villains. Imagine armor plating that resembles Jiren’s stoic power or energy conduits that glow with the ominous aura of Moro. The overall look should convey a sense of technological sophistication and raw power.
New Abilities and Powers
As for new abilities, the possibilities are virtually limitless. Advanced energy projection, the ability to control machines or create vast robotic armies, and even technological hacking capabilities could be added to his arsenal. Imagine him disabling the Z Fighters’ power or manipulating their scouters.
Personality and Motivation
Perhaps most importantly, Dr. Wheelo’s personality and motivations could be updated to be more complex and engaging. Instead of merely seeking world domination, he could be driven by a desire to achieve true immortality or perfect evolution through technology. This would allow him to explore the philosophical implications of his actions and give him a deeper, more compelling character arc. Perhaps there is an internal conflict between his human brain and his robotic body. He could be constantly battling with his humanity.
Conclusion
Dr. Wheelo, despite his brief appearance in “The World’s Strongest”, holds untapped potential to be a compelling and relevant antagonist in Dragon Ball Super. His unique blend of scientific genius and robotic power, coupled with his connection to themes of technological advancement, makes him a strong candidate for a revival. This potential will only be reached if the creators can tie him in to the current storyline and also give him some impressive new abilities.
From potential connections to Dr. Gero and the Red Ribbon Army to the possibility of a multiverse variant, there are numerous ways to creatively integrate Wheelo into the current Dragon Ball Super narrative. If given the right upgrades and a compelling motivation, a DB Super Dr. Wheelo could pose a serious threat to the Z Fighters and add a fresh and exciting dimension to the series.
Will Dr. Wheelo ever get his chance to shine in Dragon Ball Super, or will he remain a forgotten relic of the past? Only time will tell. But the potential is undeniably there, waiting to be unlocked. The fans will have to wait and see.
